Memphis offensive line is work in progress

University of Memphis football coach Justin Fuente has his top two running backs — seniors Brandon Hayes and Jai Steib — returning. Three of his top four receivers — Keiwone Malone, Alan Cross and Reggie Travis — are back, too. So is last year's starting quarterback, senior Jacob Karam, who will backup redshirt freshman Paxton Lynch.

Offensively, it's an intriguing collection of veterans, all of whom contributed in Fuente's first season. But it's also group that will be challenged by newcomers. Marquis Warford and Doroland Dorceus are potentially productive running backs. Receivers Mose Frazier, Joe Craig and Sam Craft are going to play, too.

As for an offensive line that lost one starter, left tackle Jordan Devey, and is absent injured veteran guard Chris Schuetz, it's going to be a work in progress. At times, Fuente has scrimmaged with a No. 2 offensive line that yet to play a snap at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The backups are mostly redshirt freshmen.

"We've got a long way to go," Fuente said. "Overall, we're just young (in the two-deep). There are a couple of old guys we've got who are playing very well, but we're young. This is why you don't want to have to play young guys, but that's OK. We'll get it right, it's just a constant battle."

With Schuetz, a senior and two-year starter, limited in preseason camp by a shoulder issue, Fuente and offensive line coach Vance Vice have been experimenting. They've tried veterans Antonio Foster and Al Bond at more than one position. Foster, a center, has been playing left guard, Schuetz's normal spot. Bond, a right tackle the past two seasons, has been spending considerable time at right guard.

Sophomore Taylor Fallin (6-6, 330) has remained at left tackle and sophomore Michael Stannard has stepped in at center.

"I'll move Al Bond around because he's an intelligent guy who can give you some of that (versatility)," Fuente said. "Both he and Antonio give us that (luxury)."

Foster has practiced at guard and center during preseason camp and said he might get a look at tackle, too. The Tigers open Sept. 7 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium against Duke.

"When Schuetz gets back, maybe we'll line up the same as we did (last season)," Foster said.

Among the redshirt freshmen competing for backup spots are Markeith Minnick (6-5, 300) at left tackle, Sam Watson at center and Tony Mays, the former Whitehaven High standout, at right tackle.

"I see a lot of young, hungry guys out there, guys who are trying to compete," said Hayes, who led the team with 576 rushing yards a year ago. "And they have to go against what I think is one of the best defensive lines in the country.

"It's great for them to go against that kind of talent every day. I know the (coaching staff) is just trying to figure which guys go where. We have a lot of versatile guys."

Bond said while it is an overall youthful group of lineman, at least the numbers are up.

"We're up to 20 offensive linemen," Bond said. "I remember my first summer (2010) there was about six of us. So we were definitely doing a lot of rotating."

Devey provided versatility last fall by playing more than left tackle and Foster could fill a similar role this year.

"We're just trying to find our best five and we'll match up their skill set with a position," Fuente said. "And then try and find as many backups as possible."